Current Residents
First Year Residents
Andrew Ma, DO
Where are you originally from?
Los Angeles, CAUndergraduate College:
Occidental CollegeWhere did you attend Medical School?
Liberty College of Osteopathic MedicineWhy did you choose PTHA?
I chose PTHA for its patient population and locationWhat are your interests?
Preventative and pain medicine. Personally, I love food, fitness, the LA Lakers, travel, snowboarding, photography, and League of Legends.What are some fun facts about you?
I have instructed and assisted students in playing guitar, bass guitar, piano and drums, and composed and tabbed songs for students to perform in annual concerts for Chinatown Children’s Choir in Los Angeles. I have also completed the 100 chicken McNugget eating challenge.Hilary Baer, DO
Where are you originally from?
Astoria, OregonUndergraduate College:
Pacific UniversityWhere did you attend Medical School?
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic MedicineWhy did you choose PTHA?
I chose PTHA because of its strong foundation in Osteopathic medicine and Osteopathic principles. I truly appreciated the sense of community and collegiality during my interaction with people at PTHA. The broad-spectrum curriculum offered by PTHA will provide the training I need to become a successful, competent family physician, and set me up to provide the best care possible to my patients. I look forward to learning about Tribal culture and their unique health care needs.What are your interests?
I love Osteopathic manipulation and believe it is a great treatment option for patients with pain. I enjoy treating many patients with Osteopathic manipulation, but my passion is treating pregnant women, women who have recently had a baby, and athletes. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, music and going to concerts, cooking, volunteering, and exploring the community with my family.What are some fun facts about you?
I have a sweet 1 year old daughter, Eleanor. In high school I was in varsity choir and sang in Carnegie Hall in New York City. In college I swam with sharks in Belize. I am a contributor to a health blog - Infinite Health D.O.Megan Aspelund, DO
Where are you originally from?
Naknek, AlaskaUndergraduate College:
University of Alaska AnchorageWhere did you attend Medical School?
A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in ArizonaWhy did you choose PTHA?
PTHA not only provides the training opportunities of a unique unopposed Native American/Alaska Native Family Medicine curriculum with full integration of the osteopathic tenets and training, but also continually works hard to maintain a small-town community environment. I am preparing to work in a rural community as one of the only physicians in the area, and PTHA is by far the only program that completely offers the breadth and depth of training I need to be successful.What are your interests?
As a family physician, I am interested in not only helping to prevent and treat disease or injury, but to also empower and engage the community I serve. I want to provide each person with a range of medical skills and knowledge that can specifically meet their healthcare needs. When not working or studying, I like to be involved in my local community whether it be potlucks, conventions, farmers markets, local music and artist scenes and volunteer events. I have a passion for traveling and learning about different communities. I also love to hike, camp and explore the world around me.What are some fun facts about you?
Where I lived, instead of deer or moose, we had grizzly bears walking across our lawn every summer. I swam in the Arctic Ocean with polar bears. I am the first physician in my family. Recently, Bob Ross has been teaching me to oil paint, and how to care for deer, squirrels and all living creatures while creating my own little worlds.Ashley Olson, DO
Where are you originally from?
Delta, WIUndergraduate College:
University of Wisconsin Madison – BS in Special EducationWhere did you attend Medical School?
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic MedicineWhy did you choose PTHA?
Prior to pursuing a medical career, I was a teacher in Bethel, AK, the off-the-road-system rural hub of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. After a short time, it became clear that I would spend the rest of my life in Bethel and have therefor directed my medical training toward acquiring the skills necessary to effectively practice medicine in the hospital serving the Alaska Native communities throughout the YK Delta. PTHA provides me with the opportunity to focus on both rural full-spectrum medicine with obstetrics and the unique needs of Native communities with whom I will be working.What are your interests?
In life, I am interested in anything that keeps me moving, preferably outside. In medicine, I am primarily interested in very rural, full spectrum medicine. The reality of having to routinely come up with unique solutions to problems that wouldn’t even arise in areas of unlimited resources is extraordinarily enjoyable to me.What are some fun facts about you?
I grew up in a barn in the middle of nowhere in Wisconsin. I used to teach middle school. I’m an introvert and just the thought of mingling gives me heart palpitations. I have a knack for finding lost items. I don’t like it when my hands get dirty. My first car was a 1991 Ford Thunderbird with a rust spot in the passenger side floorboard that was so impressive you could see the road beneath your feet.Second Year Residents
Sara Wagner, DO
Where are you originally from?
Mainz, Germany followed by Bellevue, WAUndergraduate College:
University of Washington – BS in microbiology and BA in Near Eastern Languages and CivilizationWhere did you attend Medical School?
Touro University California College of Osteopathic MedicineWhy did you choose PTHA?
While I was visiting different programs in my 4th year of medical school, I was blown away by PTHA’s warm, respectful atmosphere where non-Native Americans are welcomed as part of the community to address Native specific and unique needs. I was looking for a program that builds a strong relationship with its community and that addresses not only medical but also psychiatric and cultural aspects of health. I was also looking for a program that was strong in osteopathic manipulative therapy, as I intend on using this treatment modality in my future family medicine practice. Lastly, the entire PTHA staff very quickly began to feel like friends and colleagues, a feeling that lingered long after I had left the rotation.What are your interests?
Within medicine, I love osteopathic manipulative therapy, and believe overwhelmingly that it is the single most under-utilized specialty in medicine. It is helpful in treating not only musculoskeletal complaints such as stiff necks or headaches, but also in treating visceral (organ) dysfunction that results in problems such as acid reflux, constipation, spastic bladder, and diminished lymph flow. Outside of medicine, I sing with Lyric Opera Northwest and try to practice as much as possible! I also enjoy sewing, beadwork, and Southwest Asian dance.What are some fun facts about you?
My first ever solo was as the "rose seller" in "Who Will Buy?" from the musical "Oliver!" (and the first time I sang it in front of an audience, I was so out of breath from helping to move set pieces moments before that I almost blew it). My favorite things to sew are dresses, especially ball gowns. I am originally from Germany, and most of my family still lives there.James Hooper, DO
Where are you originally from?
Davidson, NCUndergraduate College:
UNC GreensboroWhere did you attend Medical School?
Campbell University College of Osteopathic MedicineWhy did you choose PTHA?
I was first attracted to the Residency program and clinic for its mission to address the medical needs of underserved communities, and the outstanding resources that the Puyallup Tribe has been able to organize for it’s greater community. Furthermore, from the moment I first interviewed at PTHA I felt an immediate kinship with Residents, Faculty, and Staff and knew that this was a perfect fit for me and my family.What are your interests?
I am drawn to Family Medicine for the opportunity to treat multiple generations within a single family an. My specific areas of interest within the field include Sports, Nutrition, and Preventative Medicine.What are some fun facts about you?
I speak Spanish, and was a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador from March 2008 to December 2010 where I put my second language to good use before embarking on my career in medicine.Jarrett Bruno, DO
Where are you originally from?
I grew up in Shelton, Connecticut. Though have lived and explored throughout New England and NYC prior to starting residency.Undergraduate College:
Northeastern University, Boston, MAWhere did you attend Medical School?
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, MEWhy did you choose PTHA?
In my 3rd year of medical school I did an elective rotation at the Swinomish Indian Health Clinic in North Western Washington. Working/learning at this clinic, I realized the power of family medicine and health promotion to help uplift communities. It has always been my mission, and passion, to help correct disparities in healthcare and inequity throughout society. I decided that pursuing a career in Indian Health Services aligned well with my personal philosophy and hopes for Native Communities and society as a whole. When I found that PTHA had a residency and would train me specifically to work in Indian Country it was an easy choice. I feel honored and loved to be given the opportunity, to learn and to serve with Puyallup Tribal Health Authority.What are your interests?
My interests are always evolving, currently I am interested in preventative care, health promotion, and 'alternative' medical modalities. I also thoroughly enjoy treating people with my hands, using Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMT), to help maintain people their health and wellness, as well as manage their pain. I am trying to make the most of my time in residency by learning from all of the talented attendings, co-residents, nurses, and other providers surrounding me at PTHA and Tacoma General/Mary Bridge Hospital.What are some fun facts about you?
I spend what free time I'm afforded climbing rocks, riding bikes, sliding down mountains on a snowboard, running on trails, dancing to or playing music, learning to garden, and plotting nonviolent revolution with my amazing wife.Heather Dimmitt, DO
Where are you originally from?
FloridaUndergraduate College:
New College of FloridaWhere did you attend Medical School?
A. T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in ArizonaWhy did you choose PTHA?
I completed an audition rotation at PTHA, and was drawn to the caring community and holistic approach to healthcare that is emphasized. I enjoy working with the patients and staff we have at PTHA, and appreciate the opportunity to be a part of the care of this community.What are your interests?
I am interested in working as a team with my patients to find health through treatment of the mind, body, and spirit. I intend to practice full spectrum family medicine and have broad interests in almost everything. I also enjoy delivering babies, helping to safely bring new life into this world. I regularly provide osteopathic manipulation treatment to help the body heal itself, and support a holistic approach to healthcare.What are some fun facts about you?
I have a puppy that is a small fluffy black and white shih-tzu/japanese chin mix named Goku. We taught him how to shake, high five, spin around, and "super saiyan!" (which is quickly standing up). My partner is from India and I am learning some Hindi with him. I also enjoy knitting/crochet, playing the ukulele, and hiking.Third Year Residents
Michelle Drobny, DO
Where are you originally from?
Medford, OregonUndergraduate College:
Washington State UniversityWhere did you attend Medical School?
Western University of Health Sciences, COMP-NWWhy did you choose PTHA?
I choose PTHA because there is a great community between patients and staff, everyone is so supportive of each other, and it is a great learning environment. We learn full spectrum medicine which is necessary for working more independently one day. Most importantly PTHA provides a cultural education that is very unique.What are your interests?
My interests include full spectrum medicine (taking care of patients from when they are born to when they are elders), addiction medicine and community outreach.What are some fun facts about you?
I am an identical twin, she lives in Oregon, I have two dogs and am expanding our family to include a newborn this spring!Carly Allen, DO
Where are you originally from?
Seward, AKUndergraduate College:
The Evergreen State College BA and BSWhere did you attend Medical School?
Western University of Health Sciences COMP-NWWhy did you choose PTHA?
I chose PTHA because of the unique patient population, strong emphasis on family and community and great staff. I felt that PTHA would let me build both my medical skills and social skills, as well as ability to communicate with a wide variety of people.What are your interests?
I am interested in OB, women’s health, traditional and herbal medicines, gardening, painting, and baking. I believe that food is medicine and a lot of chronic illness can be addressed in part through nutrition.What are some fun facts about you?
I have been to every inhabited continent except Asia. I’m building a patient centered cookbook.Shoshana Maxwell, DO
Where are you originally from?
Portland, ORUndergraduate College:
Wellesley College - BAWhere did you attend Medical School?
Lincoln Memorial University - DeBusk College of Osteopathic MedicineWhy did you choose PTHA?
I chose PTHA after completing an audition rotation with the program and having a wonderful experience with the community and residency team. I was drawn to the program because of the Native American focus, excellent training in full-spectrum medicine and the strong presence of community at PTHA.What are your interests?
I have a special interest in whole family care with an emphasis on women's health, prenatal care, preventative medicine and wellness. I have a passion for primary care and being part of the solution in decreasing healthcare disparities and inequalities in underserved communities.What are some fun facts about you?
I love spending time with family, traveling to new places both near and far, acting in local theater productions, and cheering for the Portland Trail Blazers (fan since I was 5 years old!).Matt Grana, DO
